Open Studio gives an opportunity to the community to unlock their inner artist and explore their creativity. This is a space where everyone is welcome to participate, regardless of experience.
Beaverbrook Art Gallery is hosting an Open Studio for all ages on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays until Dec. 14.
Erin Goodine and Natasha LeBlond run the program together, ensuring that everyone receives the attention and help they need. Both emphasized that participants do not need any artistic experience.
Goodine, the Open Studio coordinator, said it started as an inclusive space for artists or people who are interested in art.
“It essentially started as the Art Education Center as a space available that people could potentially come by and start making artwork,” said Goodine.
She explained that every day has a different focus where there will be different activities.
On Tuesdays and Thursdays, people can try different art supplies that are available in the studio, while on Wednesdays there are activities for kids and their guardians.
“Thursday evening is more focused on artists and people who want to learn more about making art, and want to meet other artists,” Goodine said. “It’s more of a social atmosphere.”
Goodine said that their goal is to make everyone feel welcome and even if the participants are new to art there is always a place for them.
“In the open studio, I try to make sure that I’m available to set people up with the materials that they want to try … but I also want to encourage people to experiment and not feel pressured to make something perfect,” said Goodine.
According to LeBlond, the program coordinator of the Beaverbrook Art Gallery, even though it is a fairly new studio, she is trying to create a sense of belonging for the participants and the art community as a whole.
“It’s fun to see everyone just at work doing their own thing and chatting with each other, giving each other feedback,” she said.
“Mistakes can always be turned into something beautiful,” said LeBlond. The Open Studio offers all the resources for the different needs and preferences of diverse artistic styles.
“What was important when we first started, was to ask people… I know [Goodine] would talk with all the participants and just ask them what they are interested in doing,” said LeBlond.
Jack Cyr, a regular attendee of the Open Studio, said the atmosphere and openness of the studio motivate him.
“People are very willing to be flattering when it comes to everyone else’s art, you know, it’s a bit of a hug box… it’s nice,” said Cyr.
For Cyr, this is an accessible opportunity since it’s free for students and offers all the arts supplies.
“I think most similar activities available to working adults are quite expensive if you intend on going regularly… that really eliminated a big barrier for me, especially with how hard it is to afford Fredericton these days.”
